Alongside adopting a version of the Dilnot model, ministers are considering making changes to the way the social care sector is funded, which is under severe strain after years of cuts to local council budgets.

One option is to hand money more directly to English care homes, rather than the current model of providing funding through local authorities.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock hinted earlier this week that a similar model could be an option for long-term financing of the system.

'Dignity and respect'

Senior sources have also told the BBC the Conservatives seriously considered including providing free personal care in their manifesto for last year's election.

However, the idea was ditched as the party wanted to rule out rises to income tax, VAT or national insurance.

The plan for free personal care, which is already available in Scotland, could have cost as much as £10bn in the first year. Some care costs are capped in Wales and home care is free for the over-75s in Northern Ireland.

A source involved in the discussions said: "No one wanted to raise taxes, so we put it off."

The party's manifesto eventually promised extra funding for social care in England and to pursue cross-party talks on long-term changes to the sector.

Ministers acknowledge reform is long overdue, with a senior figure saying: "It is obvious now that there is a need for change."

Downing Street would not comment on the manifesto.

But a government spokesperson said ministers remain committed to bringing forward a social care plan "so everybody is treated with dignity and respect, and nobody has to sell their home to pay for care".

"The health secretary has already sought views from across Parliament, but this is one of the most complex issues we face, and it is right we take time to develop a fair, sustainable solution," they added.

"Care homes will continue to get all the support they need to tackle the impacts of the pandemic, with £3.2bn to help address pressures in adult social care and £600m to control infections in care homes."